Topic: Test Drive: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

[Snowman]

Mazda 3 sedan GT

 

 

post some pics 

[rrocket]

Mazda 3 sedan GT

I said "exciting" and "sports car".  

[ajay]

I like it .
missed your sportscar line , you calling the Veloster a sportscar ?

[Snowman]

I don't believe you have one, post a picture of it.

[rrocket]

I like it .
you calling the Veloster a sportscar ?

Hell no!! 

[Schmengie]

Didn't Saturn try the two-doors-on-one-side, one-door-on-the-other thing a few years back? I don't think it turned out too well for them, but this Hyundai will be a whole 'nuther story. I saw a Veloster at the Hyundai dealership the other day and it looks amazing, at least $5000 more expensive than it is. The Veloster's definitely not for me, but I think Hyundai just hit another one right out of the park.

[sacrat]

Mazda 3 sedan GT

 

 

post some pics 

The Veloster is a cool exercise, but too impractical for our family. The Accent really impresses in it's category but is a little too much of a step down from my Sonata. So here are pics of what I hope Hyundai imports soon. No confirmation yet 

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/2012-hyundai-i30-elantra-touring-frankfurt-2011/

[aaronk]

This looks like a whole bunch of compromises wrapped in a shiny package and offered at a low price. There isn't much here for me - it's not actually that quick but it can't carry much either. The Scion Tc is more assertively sporty, and a hatch from VW, Mazda or even Kia (Forte5) is more practical. I think this will be popular as a first car for students or for someone who would have considered the old Accent 2-door. I would have liked to see an optional, more powerful engine and more sorted suspension.

Criticism aside, the mileage and standard equipment certainly are impressive. As a car enthusiast I can easily find faults, but the general public will eat it up.

[Snowman]

Mazda 3 sedan GT

 

 

post some pics 

The Veloster is a cool exercise, but too impractical for our family. The Accent really impresses in it's category but is a little too much of a step down from my Sonata. So here are pics of what I hope Hyundai imports soon. No confirmation yet 

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/2012-hyundai-i30-elantra-touring-frankfurt-2011/

You misunderstood, I wanted some pics to confirm the 13 year old troll Ajay actually owns a Mazda 3.

[Jaeger]

The Veloster is a cool exercise, but too impractical for our family. The Accent really impresses in it's category but is a little too much of a step down from my Sonata.

I suspect most any sporty Coupe is going to make for an impractical family car.  The Veloster will sell to younger singles, couples with no kids or older empty-nesters. 

If the Accent is too much of a step down from your Sonata, give the Elantra a try.  It was nice enough to give me pause before I got my Sonata.  The Focus would be right up there as well if I were looking for something practical, sporty and stylish in the compact segment.

Jaeger

[mik101]

My only concern would be: is this actually a sporty coupe? Other than its looks (which I quite like) there isn't much "sport" in terms of performance.

I suppose my take is that this is an economy car dressed up in a jogging suit. I'm not saying it isn't a nice economy car (indeed, I think it is), but it is what it is, no?

These looks deserve some performance - hopefully they can improve the handling and power with the turbo model. 

That's exactly what it is and even in its current form I'm sure it will suit 80% of buyers fine. Those looking for more performance will want to wait for the 204hp 195tq turbo variant that was confirmed. 2013 hopefully. That will suit another 10-15% and the rest will look to after market turbos and such.

I don't see a major problem here. I think Hyundai will sell a ton of them, even with it's faults.

[Jaeger]

My only concern would be: is this actually a sporty coupe? Other than its looks (which I quite like) there isn't much "sport" in terms of performance.

I suppose my take is that this is an economy car dressed up in a jogging suit. I'm not saying it isn't a nice economy car (indeed, I think it is), but it is what it is, no?

These looks deserve some performance - hopefully they can improve the handling and power with the turbo model. 

That's exactly what it is and even in its current form I'm sure it will suit 80% of buyers fine. Those looking for more performance will want to wait for the 204hp 195tq turbo variant that was confirmed. 2013 hopefully. That will suit another 10-15% and the rest will look to after market turbos and such.

I don't see a major problem here. I think Hyundai will sell a ton of them, even with it's faults.

It meets my definition of "sporty coupe" - though it falls short of hard core sports car for sure.  Then again, it isn't pretending to be.  I haven't driven the Accent, but I very much doubt it handles as well as the Veloster - and I thought the Veloster handled quite well in my test drive.  I was definitely wanting more power, and more power is coming.

Jaeger

[Snowman]

My only concern would be: is this actually a sporty coupe? Other than its looks (which I quite like) there isn't much "sport" in terms of performance.

I suppose my take is that this is an economy car dressed up in a jogging suit. I'm not saying it isn't a nice economy car (indeed, I think it is), but it is what it is, no?

These looks deserve some performance - hopefully they can improve the handling and power with the turbo model. 

I have not driven one but two people I know said its lifeless and more HP will not bring it to life. Much work needs to be done on suspension and steering feel. Hyundai needs to decide on what direction it wants to take with the Veloster: A mainstream econobox that has styling or go back in time and revive a Honda CRX Si.

[wing]

I think people focus on the lack of power and then think everything else sucks.  I thought it was awesome on track and will say so ... in my review

[dirtyjeffer]

Hyundai needs to decide on what direction it wants to take with the Veloster: A mainstream econobox that has styling or go back in time and revive a Honda CRX Si.

while i am sure we would all love a Veloster Si, the reality is the business case for one is likely poor at best...otherwise, Honda would still be making them and selling them like hotcakes...considering how many "mainstream econoboxes" that sell in large numbers, making a "prettier version" of one is likely a better business decision...who knows though, perhaps the Turbo model will answer your call.

[Snowman]

Hyundai needs to decide on what direction it wants to take with the Veloster: A mainstream econobox that has styling or go back in time and revive a Honda CRX Si.

while i am sure we would all love a Veloster Si, the reality is the business case for one is likely poor at best...otherwise, Honda would still be making them and selling them like hotcakes...considering how many "mainstream econoboxes" that sell in large numbers, making a "prettier version" of one is likely a better business decision...who knows though, perhaps the Turbo model will answer your call.

A turbo is not a fix-all. When I step into my garage in 35 minutes I must decide between a Stage 2 2010 Subaru WRX STI or a 2004 Honda S2000 when I go for some groceries. Guess which one I take 9 times out of 10.

[Mike]

When I step into my garage in 35 minutes I must decide between a Stage 2 2010 Subaru WRX STI or a 2004 Honda S2000 when I go for some groceries. Guess which one I take 9 times out of 10.

"Oakville Problems" 

[dirtyjeffer]

A turbo is not a fix-all.

i never said it was, however, it is possible the "Turbo" model may also offer some other things, like a "Sport Suspension" and other goodies to improve the overall sportiness of the ride as a whole.

When I step into my garage in 35 minutes I must decide between a Stage 2 2010 Subaru WRX STI or a 2004 Honda S2000 when I go for some groceries. Guess which one I take 9 times out of 10.

either is more fun than my 2000 Taurus.

[5 Wheel Drive]

Hyundai needs to decide on what direction it wants to take with the Veloster: A mainstream econobox that has styling or go back in time and revive a Honda CRX Si.

while i am sure we would all love a Veloster Si, the reality is the business case for one is likely poor at best...otherwise, Honda would still be making them and selling them like hotcakes...considering how many "mainstream econoboxes" that sell in large numbers, making a "prettier version" of one is likely a better business decision...who knows though, perhaps the Turbo model will answer your call.

A turbo is not a fix-all. When I step into my garage in 35 minutes I must decide between a Stage 2 2010 Subaru WRX STI or a 2004 Honda S2000 when I go for some groceries. Guess which one I take 9 times out of 10.

If you're having the same warm, sunny day we're having, then my vote would be the S2000.  

[CanuckS2K]

Hyundai needs to decide on what direction it wants to take with the Veloster: A mainstream econobox that has styling or go back in time and revive a Honda CRX Si.

while i am sure we would all love a Veloster Si, the reality is the business case for one is likely poor at best...otherwise, Honda would still be making them and selling them like hotcakes...considering how many "mainstream econoboxes" that sell in large numbers, making a "prettier version" of one is likely a better business decision...who knows though, perhaps the Turbo model will answer your call.

A turbo is not a fix-all. When I step into my garage in 35 minutes I must decide between a Stage 2 2010 Subaru WRX STI or a 2004 Honda S2000 when I go for some groceries. Guess which one I take 9 times out of 10.

The Venza?